Glen Rock superintendent will retire

GLEN ROCK -- The school board will decide in coming weeks whether to hire an interim or permanent superintendent to replace David Verducci, who will retire in July for family reasons.

"The board was aware for a short time that (Verducci) was interested in retiring," said School Board President Rona McNabola. "In coming weeks a decision will be made on how to proceed with hiring a new superintendent."

Trustees agree on one important aspect for the future, McNabola said.

"Although it's not something that you see in New Jersey anymore, we would like to see a long-term superintendent in our district," she said.

Verducci will tender his formal resignation on March 26 with a July 1 retirement date.

"My reasons for this decision are entirely positive albeit entirely personal; simply said, my family needs me right now," Verducci said in a written letter to colleagues.

Verducci has completed three years of a five-year contract.

"In the code or laws, there is a separation agreement," McNabola said. "It allows him some compensation."

Verducci's career has spanned more than three decades in seven different Bergen County school districts.

"Most of all, be clear that nowhere on my list is there any room for anything but good feelings about the three years I have spent here in Glen Rock," Verducci wrote.

The decision to retire was "mine and mine alone; no one outside my family was privy to this prior to a short time ago," Verducci wrote, adding that he was deeply indebted to the entire school community and the members of the board in particular.

"My time here has coincided with a period of dramatic change in public education. But it has also been a time of extraordinary accomplishment for Glen Rock as we passed the 'tipping point' and began the final ascent to becoming a true lighthouse district. That has always been my vision for this district and it is gratifying to know how that symbolism has become the lingua franca for a culture of achievement," Verducci said.